What to do to Prevent a Robbery

Safety Tips

Businesses must be prepared for the possibility of robbery and should give security training a high priority. Employees need to be trained in the latest methods of robbery prevention, which will keep them safer and help give police the best information to catch the culprit. This preparation can also lessen the stress after being involved in an armed robbery.

Opening and closing procedures should be established

Have several employees present when opening and closing the business.

Inspect the business for forcible entry before entering the business.

One employee searches the premises before admitting others. If all is clear, the employee entering the store first can signal the coworker with some prearranged sign.

At closing, make sure no one is hiding in the business.

At closing, one employee can enter the parking lot first and can signal the companion with some prearranged sign if it is safe.

Cash Handling System

Every business should operate with a cash control protection system. Each employee handling cash should be trained in the types of attack, and follow good cash handling practices.

Periodic checks should be made to be sure all cash protection rules are being followed. The business will be a less attractive “mark” and limit its losses should it be robbed.

Keep a minimum of cash on hand, both in cash drawers and in the safe. During evening and late night hours, cash levels should be kept to a minimal amount per cash register ($50 or less). Transactions with large bills (over $20) should be prohibited. Use special quick-deposit drop safes in which money can be easily deposited when there is a large amount of money. Keep reserve funds locked in a safe and deliver new funds only when needed.

Use a money safe that requires more than one employee to open and remove daily receipts. Always lock safes after the day’s funds are received. Eliminate serious losses by having separately locked inner compartments or lockers where the change funds are kept. Dual control safes and two-key inner compartment money safes require two people to open the door.

Do not open the cash safe too often. Do not maintain more surplus cash in the store than is absolutely needed.

Always keep money out of reach of customers.

Do not display large amounts of money. Cashiers should not balance their cash in the checkout area before closing. They should do this in an office or other secure area. Bank teller stations should be designed to keep cash out of sight.

Exercise precautions when making bank deposits. These precautions include:

Make bank deposits during daylight hours with more than one person.

Vary the route to the bank.

Do not make any stops along the way to the bank.

Vary the time of day the deposit is made.

Disguise the currency bags in plain wrappings or another container (i.e. briefcase, etc.).

Vary the vehicle used.

Vary the personnel doing the deposit, if possible.

Request police or armed guard protection when handling or transporting large amounts of money.

Look around before getting out of your car.

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